published Feb 3, 2020

What is the Typical Width of a Shared-Use Trail?

by American Trails Staff

The best answer that you will get for how wide a trail should be is “It depends.”

published Aug 17, 2018

Signs and Etiquette for Shared-use Urban Trails

by Stuart Macdonald

Encouraging different types of users to share the trail is just as important on urban trails as it is on backcountry trails.

published Nov 7, 2019

Safe Encounters with Horses on Shared-Use Trails

by Dianne Martin

American Trails contributor Dianne Martin shares some tips on how to safely share trails with horses.

published Oct 1, 2009

FAQ: Building trails near ports

by American Trails Staff

Examples of combined recreational and industrial uses on east and west coast port properties.

published May 1, 2012

Children’s Center Trail Project Breaks Down Barriers

This trail includes sections made of different materials that can teach children with disabilities how to maneuver on surfaces such as rubber, pea gravel, mulch, boardwalk decking, and concrete pavers.

published Sep 1, 2015

Accessible Trail Opens Michigan’s Ocqueoc Falls to All

by Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division

Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway leads visitors to the only publicly owned waterfall in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

published Feb 2, 2012

Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way

Public comment period closed February 2, 2012 on the new "Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way"

published Sep 26, 2013

Access Board issues ABA Final Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas, including accessible trails, on federal lands

by American Trails Staff

On September 26, 2013 the U.S. Access Board issued new accessibility guidelines for outdoor areas on federal lands. The guidelines provide detailed specifications for accessible trails, picnic, and camping areas, viewing areas, beach access routes, and other components of outdoor developed areas when newly built or altered.

published Jan 24, 2018

How Accessible Recreation Facilities Benefit Everyone

by R. Brian Kermeen with USDA Forest Service

Like most areas managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the central Sierra Nevada has steep and mountainous terrain. Most of our facilities evolved over time or were designed 30 years ago with no consideration for the needs of persons with disabilities.